Celebrate spring (Vernal Equinox is March 20) by volunteering at your local wetland!

Hereâ€™s your chance to see the big wetlands at the head of Walker Creek up close.

The City of Burien purchased the wetlands in 2005 to preserve the upper portion of Walker Creek.Â While the wetlands themselves continue to serve as a giant sponge and filter benefiting the creek, the edges of the wetlands need a bit of care.

Thereâ€™s some litter to clean up and then weâ€™ll dig up those pesky blackberries that threaten to overwhelm the healthy native vegetation around the edge of the wetlands.

This is your chance to take a peek inside the wetlands before the vegetation leafs out.

What will the volunteers do?
Volunteers will help protect the health of the Walker wetland by removing invasive, non-native plants. The biggest problem is Himalayan blackberry. Volunteers will cut the canes and then dig up the root balls â€“ hard work but satisfying. Volunteers of all ages are welcome but children need to be
accompanied by a parent or an adult.

Why are we doing this stewardship project at the Walker wetland?
The Walker wetland was purchased by the City of Burien in 2005. The Walker wetland sustains the health of Walker Creek by storing and then slowly releasing water. The water also is filtered by the wetland plants. Lastly, the wetland is home to birds and small animals.

Stewardship is needed to preserve the health of the wetland and the larger Walker Creek stream basin.

While the wetland is basically healthy, invasive plants are creeping in around the dryer edges. This stewardship project will help control this unwanted vegetation.

What do volunteers need? The requirements are simple!

An eager attitude

Sturdy shoes or boots (you will not be walking in the wetland itself but if itâ€™s raining, youâ€™ll want footwear that keeps your feet dry)

Leather-palmed gloves (we also will have plenty to loan)

Filled water bottle

We provide tools and snacks!

Whoâ€™s organizing this event?
This project is a cooperative effort of the Cities of Burien, Normandy Park, and SeaTac; the Port of Seattle; and King County. These governments are
working with residents to improve water quality and create healthy ecosystems in the Miller and Walker Creek basins.

Parking
Park on S. 176th St. east of Des Moines Memorial Drive. Please do not park on Des Moines Memorial Drive.